Catfish Cancer Spreads Between Fish | Calgary News

Scientists are stunned by a rare, transmissible melanoma cancer spreading among catfish in Quebec and the northeastern U.S., with tumors jumping from one fish to another — a phenomenon seen in only a handful of natural cases before. Triggered by a 2012 flood in Lake Memphremagog, anglers noticed strange black lumps, initially blamed on pollution, but genetic tests revealed the cancer cells were separate entities, not native to the host fish. Experts suspect spawning season and physical contact during mating may be enabling transmission, though some scientists urge caution until lab confirmation. Environmental toxins remain a possibility, but the genetic evidence strongly points to contagious cancer. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c2d28ebf895e6f16